Pudge & I originally weren’t supposed to attend the 22nd Annual Baltimore International Motorcycle Show on the weekend of January 21-23. We were supposed to leave early Saturday morning to go to the Mid-Atlantic Motorsports Expo in Richmond VA, but we were supposed to get a huge snow storm and didn’t want to get stranded hours away from home. So, we drove an hour and went to the Baltimore show instead. And are we glad we did!

It’s always interested to call shows and promoters to let them know that you are coming to give them free promotion. You never know what type of response you are going to get. Some are hesitant and suspect that you really aren’t a magazine at all and you are just trying to scam free passes. Others just tell you to show up and your name will be on a list. My favorites are the shows that post a person at the door that doesn’t know anything about who you talked to on the phone, and doesn’t care what you are talking about now. This promoter had a different reaction than any of these.

“Tell them that they are the greatest Goddamn online magazine ever!” That was the reaction that was relayed to me when I called to let the staff of the show know that we were coming down. I believe that he knew who we were, and we were welcomed to come to the show.

When we arrived at the show on Friday evening, in was obvious that the weather had impacted the attendance. But no one’s spirit was hurt! All of the exhibitors were in a good mood, and happy to have the one-on-one time with attendees that they so rarely get at a show of this magnitude.

All of the dealers that you go to shows to meet with and see the new products were there: Indian, BMW, Ducati, Harley, Honda, Enfield Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Ural, Yamaha, Victory, Boss Hoss, Buell, Titan, Aprilia, Vespa, Big Dog and so many more (including Orange County Choppers). The show boasts itself as having the World’s Largest custom & antique motorcycle show.

So, take a look at the pictures, see all that there was to see, and then see for yourself at next year’s show - visit www.internationalmotorcycleshow.com at the end of the year for next year’s dates. You never know, you might get told that you are the greatest Goddamn attendee ever!